How is such a similarity conclusive, though? How do you know Blitzwolf didn't copy Anker? Even if Anker released their product later, how do you know it wasn't an improvement on the Blitzwolf product?
Because that's not how things work in China. An off-brand copy would be a literal copy of the PCB with cheaper and /or missing components (especially EMC-related ones). An "improvement" from a different OEM would have obvious differences in parts like the heatsinks (they are literally the same part, with extremely similar cutting marks) and various other generic interchangeable parts (e.g. the input MOV, the IEC connector, the optical feedback package on the top etc).
They are not the only usb supplies using that design.
Ankers is probably the newest design with the electronic protection, the other designs use fuses.
It's the same OEM with the same basic design, slightly tweaked because the Anker has individual output port protection. Otherwise it's the same basic design produced by the OEM.
Interesting you should post those pics as I am just about to open up an Anker 5 port USB charger as two of the ports have failed (well, one is dead and the other gives out a weird low voltage). Do you know if it's easy to get hold of the output chips or what they are - admittedly I haven't even begun to look at the design/spec yet. Are there any schematics or service manuals out there!?
I have had two (out of 3 purchased) Anker 5-port units replaced within the warranty period, and this one has now failed a couple of months outside of warranty, so I don't particularly rate Anker in any elevated way.
I supposed I should also try contacting Anker first to see if they will stump up a replacement - I think my unit is less than a year old, but was a replacement for another that was about 10 months into its warranty when it died completely.
The output control ICs/MOSFETs are surface mount and quite hard to replace. Even with a hot air rework gun the cramped location and small pitch don't help.
Not to mention that I can't find what type of chip this is from the markings (most likely an integrated overcurrent protection chip with high-power mosfet build in but eh...)
Anker has 18 month warranties. As long as you purchased it from them or an authorized reseller, they will honor it.
I've personally had zero issues with the very few things (literally 1 cable, and the oldest one of all of them; they don't even produce this design anymore) I've had to get warranty on.
